JIM IN REDS TALKS - WITH BOSS ERIK

And Ratcliffe, flanked by his Ineos sporting team, was introduced to the United manager at the Reds' Carrington HQ.

- GIDEON BROOKS

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE met with Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag yesterday as he made his latest move to seize control of the club.

Just 24 hours after rival bidders representing Qatari-based Sheikh Jassim were shown around the stadium and training ground, Ratcliffe flew in for face-to-face talks at Old Trafford.

"I just met them and we shook hands," said Ten Hag. "But I'm focused on the game.